Weekly Highlights in San Diego: From Comedy Camps to Cultural Events
San Diego offers a vibrant array of events and activities throughout the week, catering to all ages and interests. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, cultural experiences, or entertainment that celebrates pop culture, there’s something for everyone.
Monday: A Day of Learning and Performance
For children interested in stand-up comedy, Mic Drop Comedy is hosting a five-day summer camp for kids aged 8 to 14. Participants will learn improv techniques, comedy writing, and stage performance, culminating in a live showcase on Sunday. The camp runs from 1 to 4 p.m. through July 25 at 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. The cost is $275, and more information can be found at micdropcomedy.com.
In addition to the comedy camp, the San Diego Symphony Orchestra will present “The Lion King” in concert, conducted by Thiago Tiberio. This event takes place at The Rady Shell on July 21 at 7:30 p.m., featuring the iconic score composed by Hans Zimmer. Tickets start at $58 and are available at theshell.org/performances/the-lion-king.
The 37th annual San Diego International Summer Organ Festival continues with a concert by American organist Ken Cowan at Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park. The free event starts at 7:30 p.m. and includes performances of Saint-Saëns’ Danse Macabre and an Elgar sonata.
A drag show titled “Drag Me to Mavericks” will take place at 860 Garnet Ave. from 3 to 5 p.m. It features performers such as Naomi Daniels, Kickxy Vixen, and Courtney Johnson, hosted by Mariam T.
Tuesday: Family Fun and Musical Performances
The Helen Woodward Animal Center’s PAWmicon returns with a new twist, inviting both pets and humans to participate in a cosplay contest and games. The event is free to attend but requires advance ticket reservations. A $20 donation to the animal center is needed to enter the cosplay contest. It takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Balboa Park’s President’s Way Lawn.
Michael Giacchino, known for his work on films like “Up” and “Ratatouille,” will perform some of his iconic scores at UC San Diego. The concert is followed by a conversation with Pixar’s chief creative officer Pete Docter on July 23. Both events are hosted by ArtPower and take place at the Epstein Family Amphitheater. Tickets range from $25 to $30.
Wednesday: Blood Drive and Film Screening
The 49th Robert A. Heinlein Blood Drive will be held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, offering a limited-edition “Marvel Fantastic 4” t-shirt to donors. Appointments are available, but walk-ins are welcome. The blood drive runs from July 23 to 27.
An off-site screening of the cult classic “The Toxic Avenger” will feature the Kaufman brothers in attendance for a Q&A session. The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Regal Edwards Mira Mesa.
City Tacos OB Playground will host a Comic-Con-themed trivia night on July 23, featuring 20 kinds of tacos and craft beer. Tickets can be purchased online for $8.
Thursday: Comic-Con and More
Comic-Con International kicks off on July 23, drawing fans of comics, superheroes, Japanese animation, vintage toys, and cosplay. The event spans the San Diego Convention Center and Gaslamp Quarter, featuring panels, movie showings, exhibitions, and a masquerade ball.
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park partners with FIT4MOM for stroller fitness classes every other Thursday through August 21. Moms and their children can navigate the park for cardio exercise.
The animated rock band Cold Slither, from the “G.I. Joe” universe, makes its first live appearance at Brick By Brick on July 24. The event costs $42.66.
Her Universe Fashion Show, hosted by Ashley Eckstein, takes place at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel. Wristbands are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Swing Social in the Gaslamp Quarter hosts a movie and music-themed trivia game night on July 24, featuring a live DJ and costume contest.
Friday: Theater and Cultural Events
Carlsbad Community Theatre presents “Shrek the Musical” at Sage Creek High School. The show runs through July 27 with performances at 7 p.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m.
EC Gallery showcases original cels from Disney, Hanna-Barbera, and Warner Bros. in its Vintage Animation Show, running through August 2. The event is free and open to the public.
Indigi-Con at UCSD highlights Indigenous voices in comics and visual storytelling. Panel discussions and workshops take place on Friday and Sunday at 1100 Market St.
Japan’s Mademoiselle Cinema dance company presents “A Woman’s Journey,” inspired by the experiences of Japanese “picture brides.” The performance is part of San Diego Dance Theater’s Live Arts Fest.
La Jolla Music Society opens its monthlong classical music series with a concert featuring works by Mozart, Rachmaninoff, and Enescu. The event takes place at the Baker-Baum Concert Hall.
Opera Neo presents an outdoor production of Donizetti’s “The Elixir of Love” at the Spanish Village Art Center. Tickets range from $5 to $75.
Moonlight Stage Productions concludes its regional premiere of “Anastasia” at Brengle Terrace Park. The show runs through August 2 with tickets priced between $41 and $62.
Blindspot Collective presents the world premiere of “Karaoke Dreams” at The Loft on the UCSD campus. The immersive musical runs through August 3, with tickets at $35.
Cygnet Theatre presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” at Old Town Theatre. The show runs through August 2, with prices ranging from $39 to $73.
North Coast Repertory Theatre stages “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” a Tony Award-winning musical. The production runs through August 17, with tickets priced between $62 and $84.
San Diego Musical Theatre presents “Matilda” at 650 Mercury St., running through August 10. Tickets range from $49 to $69.
The Old Globe Theatre presents “Noises Off,” a farce starring Jefferson Mays. The show runs through August 10, with tickets from $54 to $143.
Lamb’s Players Theatre presents “The ’70s, the Golden Age of the Album,” a song revue celebrating the decade’s musical history. The show runs through September 14, with tickets from $48 to $118.
